DVA

Pretty UglyHyperdub ****

This is easily the best album in years by a former breakfast radio DJ. Suffice to say, though, Leon Smart's Rinse FM show was not your usual breakfast- show affair. Smart gained many fans for his tough, grimey selections on the London station before quitting to concentrate on the release and promotion of Pretty Ugly. It's a fascinating snapshot of potential future directions for many underground bass strains. There's a wonderfully soulful bump-and-grind to Smart's mass of dubstep, r'n'b, garage and grime, with Why You Do, Just Vybe and the title track coming on strong as next- century funk odysseys. It helps that Smart can call on so many different vocalists – Cornelia and Fatima provide the standout purring – but it's the producer's talented slicing and dicing with such a colourful, sunny palette that is the most alluring aspect of all. soundcloud.com/scratchadva

Download tracks:Why You Do, Just Vybe, Pretty Ugly